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As COVID-19 metrics continue to rise, state health officials want to remind you that treatment is readily available if you test positive. Treatment is appropriate for the majority of North Carolinians who are considered at high risk for severe illness based on age or underlying medical conditions.
Using antiviral treatments reduces the risk of serious illness and preliminary data indicates treatment is associated with a reduced risk of developing long-COVID, although treatment must be started early, even if symptoms are mild. All currently authorized and approved treatments are expected to retain effectiveness against the COVID-19 variants currently circulating, including the BA.2.86 variant that has recently been identified.
Talk with your health care provider to determine the best treatment option for you. Visit the Testing and Treatment website for information on how to get COVID-19 tests and more information on accessing treatment, including test-to-treat sites.
Staying up-to-date with vaccines and timely access to treatment are the best ways to reduce hospitalization and death due to the illness. The most up-to-date booster aligned with circulating variants is expected to be available later this month. |
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Jan Withers, Director of NCDHHS' Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, signs to a group of Deaf individuals.
NCDHHS Honors NC's Deaf Community
In an ongoing effort to encourage increased awareness, understanding and recognition of the many contributions made by Deaf people across the state of North Carolina, Gov. Cooper has proclaimed September 2023 as Deaf Awareness Month. In North Carolina, more than 200 infants are diagnosed each year with permanent hearing loss, and each year about 200 additional children acquire hearing loss prior to starting school. It is projected 1.6 million adults in North Carolina will have a hearing loss by the year 2030. Early and constant exposure to a fully accessible language, whether spoken English or American Sign Language, has been shown to help provide a strong linguistic foundation for Deaf and hard-of-hearing children. NCDHHS' Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and its seven regional centers provide services, including advocacy for communication access, consultation, Deaf culture and ASL awareness, linking those who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing or DeafBlind to needed services and resources, and training for agencies and businesses on ensuring communication access in their service delivery. |
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Suicide Prevention Awareness Webinar
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Suicide is a state and national public health crisis, impacting people of all ages across all socioeconomic, racial and ethnic backgrounds. In 2022, 1,539 people ages 10 and older in North Carolina died by suicide, the 9th leading cause of death in our state. NCDHHS' Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services will host a webinar on Sept. 11 from noon to 1 p.m. to raise awareness for suicide prevention and provide resources for the community when someone feels lost, helpless, hopeless or alone. Register to attend the event via Zoom on Sept. 11 and see a flyer for more information. Remember, you are not alone. Anyone can access crisis or emergency services for mental health, substance use disorders or other emotional distress by calling, texting or chatting the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline 24 hours a day, and seven days a week. |
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Next Mental Health Town Hall Sept. 14 in Elizabeth City
The next Mental Health Town Hall will be held on Sept. 14 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Elizabeth City State University, K.E. White Graduate Center, 1862 Edgewood Drive in Elizabeth City. The town hall will be live-streamed on the NCDHHS YouTube channel. See a flyer for more information and please RSVP if you plan to attend. Improving behavioral health and resilience is a top priority for NCDHHS, as more than three million people in North Carolina have mental health or substance use disorders. The behavioral healthcare system in North Carolina has been stretched and under-resourced for decades and NCDHHS is committed to speaking with individuals in communities across the state about North Carolina’s behavioral health needs and key department initiatives through mental health town halls. NCDHHS hopes to visit as many counties as possible in the coming months and encourages residents to attend and join in the conversation. Go to the NCDHHS website to watch recordings of previous town halls and to find out when and where the next one will be scheduled. County representatives interested in hosting a Mental Health Town Hall can contact Annelyse Iglesias via email at annelyse.iglesias@dhhs.nc.gov.
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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Webinar
September is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Month and an opportunity to raise awareness of individuals with FASD. This year marks the 50th anniversary of FASD Awareness Month. FASD is a term for a range of diagnosable conditions that can occur with prenatal alcohol exposure. Individuals with FASD exhibit higher rates of life challenges commonly encountered in substance use and mental health treatment populations, including higher risk of suicide, and exposure to trauma. In honor of FASD Awareness Month, NCDHHS' Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services will host a webinar on Sept. 27 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. to raise awareness for FASD and celebrate the strengths, talents and victories of the estimated one in 20 individuals who suffer from FASD. Register to attend the event via Zoom on Sept. 27 and see a flyer for more information. |
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